Popular local musicians to rock Sept. 16 fund-raiser

Rockford Area Music Industry award winners Mr. Big Stuff take the stage from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

Sunday, Sept. 16, the Tebala Shrine at 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, will be rocking with the sounds of some of the Rockford area’s top bands — all for the benefit of a sweet 10-year-old girl.

Doors open at 1 p.m. for ShelbyPalooza, a COTA fund benefit for Shelby Martin of Machesney Park, Ill.

Born with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease, Shelby received a life-saving liver transplant from an organ donor April 19. The donations raised at this event will help offset Shelby’s medical expenses now and for the rest of her life.

Local favorite magician Michael “Magic Mike” Winters will serve as emcee. The entertainment lineup includes Vintage Vinyl from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Missing Links from 3 to 4 p.m.; Michael “Magic Mike” Winters from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.; Band of the Lost from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.; and Mr. Big Stuff from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Vintage Vinyl, winners of four Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) awards, including the 2012 award in the classic rock category, comprises highly talented musicians playing a variety of classic rock favorites.

Missing Links is a multiple On the Waterfront (OTW) Best of Rockford winner and a member of the RAMI Hall of Fame after five RAMI wins, playing a mix of hits from the ’60s to today to keep the crowd dancing.

OTW Best of Rockford winner Band of the Lost includes several RAMI-winning members, playing a versatile set list with an easy-going, crowd-pleasing style.

Featuring a a dynamic three-piece horn section and funky rhythm section, Mr. Big Stuff, winners of RAMI and OTW Best of Rockford awards, plays songs from the heyday of swing to the modern era.

The ShelbyPalooza event will include a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, cash bar and food for purchase. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door), $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance (cash or check only) at the Postal Shoppe (Edgebrook location) and Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road.